Volleyball training device

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a volleyball training device includes a handle with two sliding grips. The sliding grips may each slide between one end of the handle and the center of the handle. The handle may include an anchor connected through its center. One or more foot straps, each including an anchor, may be connected to the handle anchor with a resistance band or strap. Two foot straps may be connected to the handle anchor with separate resistance bands, or by s single resistance band threaded through the handle anchor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure describes a volleyball training device, and more specifically, a volleyball training device for training the bump.

BACKGROUND

A technique which may be challenging to master in the sport of volleyball is the bump pass. To bump pass accurately it is critical that the execution of a bump pass is performed with correct form. Often, the form of beginning volleyball players can be inconsistent due to inexperience and the fast pace of the game. Common errors in the bump pass can be contributed, but not limited to, poor positioning of the volleyball player's hands, forearms, and body. Another potential error is over-swinging the forearms when performing a pass or dig.

In teaching proper volleyball passing form, it is common to stress the proper positioning of the volleyball player's legs with respect to one another while simultaneously properly positioning the volleyball player's arms with respect to one another while maintaining a proper relationship between the volleyball player's legs and arms so as to achieve the proper overall volleyball passing stance.

Various types of training devices are available to teach volleyball players proper volleyball passing form, however, these known training devices may be overly restrictive, or not restrictive enough, in teaching a natural, precise movement to effectively assist in training the bump pass.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a volleyball training device includes a handle with two sliding grips. The sliding grips may each slide between one end of the handle and the center of the handle.

The handle may include an anchor connected through its center. One or more foot straps, each including an anchor, may be connected to the handle anchor with a resistance band or strap. Two foot straps may be connected to the handle anchor with separate resistance bands, or by s single resistance band threaded through the handle anchor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a volleyball training device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a user in preparatory position using the volleyball training device shown FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a front view of the volleyball training device with the sliding handle assembly in an initial position corresponding to the preparatory position shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the user in a bump position using the volleyball training device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a front view of the volleyball training device with the sliding handle assembly in a final position corresponding to the bump position shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the volleyball training device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a volleyball training device 100 according to an embodiment. The device 100 includes a sliding handle assembly 102 (or “glider”), two hand grips 104, a handle anchor 106, one or more resistance members 108, one or more foot straps 110, and one ore more foot strap anchor(s) 112.

The hand grips 104 may slide from an outer position on a bar 114 of the glider 102 to an inner position. The resistance member(s) 108 may be connected between the glider 102 and the foot strap(s) 110 through the handle anchor 106.

Although described as “foot” strap(s) 110, the straps may be positioned on the front of the foot, the ankle, or include a combination of straps encircling the foot, heel, and/or ankle. The foot strap anchor(s) 112 may be generally located at the top of the user's foot or in front of the user's ankle.

FIGS. 2 and 4 show the volleyball training device 100 in use according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the user 200 is in preparatory stance, the user's knees are bent, with his or her hands on an underhand grip on each of the hand grips 104 in an initial, or extended, position on the bar 114 (see FIG. 3 ). As the user extends into a desirable position for the bump, as shown in FIG. 4 , the user's knees are partially extended, with shoulders forward and hands on the grips 104 in a final, or closed, position (FIG. 5 ). The resistance member(s) 108 assist in training the user not to “swing” past the desired forearm position.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the volleyball training device 100 according to an embodiment. The bar 114 may be constructed from a substantially durable and rigid material, e.g., aluminum. An end cap assembly may included a threaded bolt 602, end cap limit stopper 604, rubber expander 606, and a serrated locknut 608. The grip 104 may include a slider grip 610 covered in an outer shell 612 to protect the user's hands. The outer shell may be foam, silicone, rubber, or other soft, flexible material.

The sliding handle assembly 102 may include a center separator, in one or more pieces 614, 615, connected through the bar 114 with an eye nut 616, e.g., with a bolt 618 and washer 620. The handle anchor 106 may include the eye nut 616 alone or in combination with one or more carabiners 622.

The resistance member(s) may be selected from a variety of available resistance bands. The bands may selected from resistance bands having different sizes, resistance strength, colors, and shapes, e.g., tubular, solid, flat, etc. In an alternative embodiment, resistance member 108 may be connected between two foot straps and threaded through the eye nut 616.

FIGS. 2-4 show one potential use of the device 100. In other embodiments, the user may have both foot straps on, for example, the user's front foot, in a stance where the front foot is extended. In an alternative embodiment, the device 100 may include only one foot strap and one resistance member.

The preceding description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make, implement, or use the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects illustrated herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims disclosed herein. 

1. A volleyball training apparatus comprising: a handle including a first end a second end; a handle anchor positioned in the middle of the handle; a first sliding grip configured to slide between the first end of the handle and the middle of the handle; a second sliding grip configured to slide between the second end of the handle and the middle of the handle; a foot strap including a foot strap anchor; and a resistance member connected between the handle anchor and foot strap anchor.
 2. The volleyball training device of claim 1, further comprising another foot strap including a foot strap anchor and connected to the handle anchor.
 3. The volleyball training device of claim 2, wherein said another foot strap anchor is connected to the other foot strap anchor through one resistance member threaded through the handle anchor.
 4. The volleyball training device of claim 2, wherein said another foot strap anchor is connected to the other foot strap anchor through another resistance member connected to the handle anchor. 